Harry Hughes Shearouse

Springfield - Harry Hughes Shearouse passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Harry was born on December 15,1946 to the late Emory and Dorothy Hughes Shearouse and lived his entire life in Springfield. Harry graduated from Effingham County High School in 1964 and then attended Georgia Southern University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Harry always had a love for banking which he most likely got from his father, Emory, and his grandfather William Hughes. During the summers, while in college, he worked at Citizens and Southern National Bank as a teller and in the proof department stuffing paper bank statements. After graduation, he began his career working at Citizens and Southern National Bank in their officer’s training program. This program helped him become a commercial lending officer. He worked in several branches throughout this training in Chatham County with his last two branches being on the West Side. After a few years, Harry moved to Springfield and worked at Citizens and Southern National Bank which is now known as Bank of America he remained here for the next twenty years. Here he served as a loan officer and Vice President. Harry left Citizens and Southern National Bank and worked at First National Bank of Effingham serving as Vice President. In 1998, Harry worked with several others to begin Citizens Bank of Effingham and for the last thirteen years of his career he served as President and Chairman of the Board. In the forty three years of his banking career, Harry met many people and touched many lives. Many of his customers say that Harry helped them financially and often stated they never left his office without praying over the financial decision they made. Harry’s love for banking was able to help many families and business owners.

In 1969, Harry married the love of his life, Phyllis Morgan Shearouse. Harry and Phyllis met in their church youth group and their childhood friendship grew to become a more serious, God centered relationship . He was a lifetime member of the Springfield Oaks Church (formerly Springfield United Methodist Church).

Together, he and Phyllis were leaders of Bible Studies, served as youth leaders, and Sunday School teachers. Harry taught Sunday school for 55 years and it was only recently that he stepped down. He and Phyllis were church treasurers for 37 years. Harry also served on the Administrative council in various roles such as Chairman, Treasurer, and lay leader. Harry’s church and his relationship with Christ were the most important parts of his life. He believed in telling others about the love of Christ and all He had done for him. His greatest wish was that every member of his family, his closest friends, and his Sunday school class would all know Jesus as their personal saviour.

Throughout his life, Harry served on many committees in hopes to build the home county he was so proud of. He was a member of the Springfield Lions Club, a charter member of the Rincon Lions Club and the Sunrise Rotary Club, and a member of the Springfield Jaycees. He served four years on the Effingham County Hospital Authority Board, and was a member of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce serving as president for one year. He was a part of the National Guard for six years.

After 43 years of a wonderful career in banking, Harry retired. Upon retiring you could find Harry doing the things he loved most. Each spring and summer you would find Harry working in his garden. His garden was his prize possession and his love for growing vegetables was something his family would benefit from each year. The fresh vegetables were delicious, but the smile and joy on Harry’s face was even more special. Harry also loved working on his small family farm where he had chickens and goats. In addition to this, Harry was an avid hunter and fisherman. It was safe to say that Harry loved the outdoors and enjoying what God created. This was his happy place. He and Phyllis loved to attend basketball games. This was something that they loved to do together. Harry and Phyllis attended Georgia Southern Men’s basketball games and followed the team around the states to watch them play. They often joked that they were the unofficial parents of the players and had relationships with the coaching staff. They also attended the Final Four Basketball championship games each year as well as other tournaments held during the season. Traveling was another hobby of Harry’s and he obtained his goal of visiting all 50 states over a year ago when he and Phyllis took their final trip.

Harry’s greatest love was his family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis Morgan Shearouse. He had two daughters and son-in-laws.  Cindy and Michael Morgan and Michelle and Jay Taylor. He was a Papa to his four granddaughters who love him dearly. Elizabeth Joyner (Harrison), Mary Gibbs (Chandler), Caroline Morgan, and Anna Kate Taylor. Harry is also survived by his sister and brother in law, Babs and Darryl Neidlinger, niece and nephews, Dave, Matt (Jamie), and Mindy Neidlinger as well as many special cousins and family members.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Springfield Oaks Church.

Interment will follow in Effingham Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers remembrances may be given to the George Brogdon Scholarship fund, Springfield Oaks Church, 210 Cleveland Street, Springfield, Georgia 31329.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421